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The brilliant flowers of the red flower tree: why are they so charming come spring?
When the warm breeze of spring blows, the red flower tree (Cercis canadensis) gradually wakes up in every corner of eastern North America, bringing a bright color to people. This large deciduous shrub or small tree is commonly found in the eastern United States, stretching from southern Michigan to central Mexico and west to New Mexico, and is even found in parts of California.
As the state tree of Oklahoma, the saffron tree is beloved for its charming flowers and unique shape.
This tree attracts countless eyes in the spring with its bright purple-red flowers. Blooming like stardust on leafless branches, these flowers seem to remind people of the arrival of spring. In many places in the United States, especially in Columbus, Wisconsin, this tree has become a part of the city, and "Red Flower Day" is held every year to celebrate this beautiful tree species.
Appearance characteristics of red flower trees
Safflower trees are usually 6 to 9 meters tall, with a spread crown of 8 to 10 meters. The trunk is usually short and twisted, with branches extending in all directions. As the trees grow older, their surface will show dark brown bark and slightly scaly textures. These features also give them a unique style in different seasons. Its leaves are heart-shaped, ranging from 7 to 12 centimeters in length, and turn bright yellow during the transition of autumn, adding a new layer of color to the image of the tree.
Spring flowers are so gorgeous
The most eye-catching part of the red flower tree is its spring blooming flowers, which range in color from light to dark pink and appear in clusters on smooth, bare branches. The flowers are attractive to various long-tongued bees such as blueberry bees and carpenter bees, which play an important pollination role in nature.
In many places, people's love for red flower trees comes not only from their appearance, but also from their further ecological functions and cultural value.
Shining role in the ecosystem
The red flower tree is not only a scenery, but also contributes a lot to the ecosystem. Its leaves are food for many butterfly larvae, such as Henry's Lesser butterfly and red flower leaf shopworm. Although certain insects can cause leaf damage in late summer, these trees usually resist the effects and maintain healthy growth.
Cultivation and use
The red flower tree is widely planted in parks and gardens and has spawned many cultivated varieties, such as "Forest Cloud Tree" and "Red Waterfall". These varieties are known for their bright purple foliage, which turns to stunning reds and oranges in the fall. In drier areas of the United States, safflower trees struggle to grow due to a lack of rain, but in several locations in Wisconsin they have shown remarkable adaptability.
In addition to their ornamental value, the flowers and twigs of the safflower tree also play an important role in seasoning in some recipes and have become a gourmet specialty in some places.
Cultural value
Many residents of southern Appalachia eat the flowers of the safflower tree raw or use the twigs as a condiment for wildlife. In addition, Native Americans also ate the flowers of the safflower tree raw or cooked, and roasted the seeds. In the red flower trees, people not only see the beautiful landscape, but also feel a lifestyle that is intimate with nature.
Facing the challenges of the future
With the impact of climate change and urbanization, the environment and ecosystems in which red flower trees grow are facing challenges. There is a growing need for people to be aware of the importance of these natural resources and work to protect the ecological environment around us. How can these beautiful trees continue to bloom in the near future?
